Looks like I'll have to replace the entire engine (block and all) and pay for all of it, so I'm looking at three options:

Stock replacement from a used engine (low mileage) (min $8K installed)

Built performance engine (min...a lot)

used 4BT (least expensive and best mileage)

Now, is option 3 possible? Anyone know what kind of weight those things can carry? Will it mount up to my 6spd?
Thanks for the help

 

yes, it will bolt to the 6spd. . .you wont have the power to pull your trailer as effectivly though. I realy believe the 4bt's are too small to use in these trucks. 1500's and D150's yea, but not in the 2/3500's.

 

Hey drew what's up with my quote?

 

it was a first

 

Have you got yours apart yet? need to know whats wrong with it before ya make a decision. Might be cheaper to rebuild the thing.

 

A little trivia here. I guy I work with used to work for a Cummins manufacturing plant that machined the 5.9L ISB in our trucks. He was there from the plant's inception. When Dodge first approached Cummins they recommended a 4 cylinder engine for the application and Chrysler would not hear of it. They insisted on a I-6 engine. The intial engines produced caused all kinds of challenges to the chasis and drive line because of the torque,and it had to be beefed up a bunch to run the 5.9L.

 

even with the legendary cummins name I don't think i'd want a four banger cummins.

 

I won't be pulling any trailers if I go with the 4. I thought the little engine would be good enough for 6000-7000 lbs using the gearing of the 6spd and rearend.

I haven't pulled it apart yet, but the new dealer said there is a hole in the block.

 

Pull the motor out and ship it to Jake. He'll rebuild it for ya and it'll be as good as new.

 

no trailers, or little load then I'd say you would be ok. . .your fuel mileage will go down a bit due to the engine having to work harder.

also to add to nick. . .the test Ram dodge loaned to Cummins for the project came back within two weeks with a twisted frame, they got another one and had to beef up the frame do much the body panels wouldnt fit any more. . .when Dodge finaly beefed up the frame to handle the engine drive shafts were constanly being twisted due to the torque. most of the time they had to use 4wd just to get the thing back to the shop after the rear shaft broke.